Sam Younger CBE, former director general of the British Red Cross, is to be the new chief executive of the Charity Commission, succeeding Andrew Hind who has held the role for the past six years.

Younger, whose previous roles include founding chair of the Electoral Commission, managing director of BBC World Service - where he was Andrew Hind's boss - and interim chief executive of Shelter, will take up the role in September 2010.

Commenting on the appointment Younger said: "I am excited to be joining the Commission at an undoubtedly challenging time, but also a stimulating one which creates opportunities as well as pressures for charities and for the Commission itself.

“Some of my previous roles have given me an affinity with the voluntary sector. I look forward to building on that connection and on my experience of regulation as I work with Suzi and the rest of the team to strengthen further the Commission's vital contribution to public confidence in charities."

Hind had always planned to step down from the job after serving two terms.  No announcement has been made about his next role.